Zandile Ndhlovu stands as a pioneering South African ocean conservationist, the nation’s first Black female freediving instructor, and the founder of the Black Mermaid Foundation. Her mission centers on broadening ocean access and literacy for underserved township communities.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Zandile Ndhlovu |
| Date of birth | August 25, 1988 |
| Place of birth | Soweto, Johannesburg |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Gauteng (Soweto); family Eastern Cape |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Ocean conservationist, freediving instructor, filmmaker, author, activist |
| Net worth | $100,000 – $500,000 |
Zandile Ndhlovu, celebrated as the “Black Mermaid,” champions ocean conservation while pushing for greater diversity in aquatic environments. Growing up inland, she ignited her marine passion through a snorkeling adventure in Bali at age 28, channeling it into dedicated activism.
Early Life and Education
Raised in the inland Soweto township outside Johannesburg, Ndhlovu didn’t learn to swim until age 11 during her time at a newly integrated school. With family ties to the Eastern Cape, her early years lacked any coastal exposure; she later honed skills as a scuba and freediving instructor, though specific academic records remain sparse.
Career
Prior to her marine focus, Ndhlovu served as a diversity, equality, and inclusion consultant. She earned certification as South Africa’s first Black female freediving instructor in 2020 and launched the Black Mermaid Foundation to deliver swimming, snorkeling, and ocean literacy programs to township children, including “Ocean Hubs” in places like Langa near Cape Town.
Her pursuits extend to filmmaking, motivational speaking, and penning the children’s book Zandi’s Song in 2024.
Personal Life
Ndhlovu now calls Fish Hoek in Cape Town home, shifting from her Soweto roots to center her initiatives there. Details about a partner, children, or her parents stay private, with attention fixed on her solo-driven conservation efforts.
Net Worth
As of 2026, Zandile Ndhlovu’s net worth is estimated at $100,000 to $500, drawn from speaking engagements, foundation partnerships, and media appearances.
Filmography
Ndhlovu features in various documentaries and broadcasts:
- Rhythm of Water (2024)
- Shark Women: Ghosted by Great Whites (2022)
- CBS Mornings segments
- Monster Hammerheads: Species X (2024)
- Belly of the Beast: Bigger and Bloodier (2024)
She also claimed victory in the Cape Union Mart Adventure Film Challenge as an emerging filmmaker.
Awards and Recognition
Among her accolades are BBC 100 Women (2023), Boat International Ocean Awards for Public Awareness (2023), the SA Book Awards Children’s Book prize for Zandi’s Song (2024), EcoLogic EcoAngel (2024), and the SAIMI Imbokodo Marine Sport Award (2024). Further nods include Glamour Women Next Gen nomination (2024), TEDx talks, and Jackson Wild Filmmaking Fellowship (2021).
